Sitting Pretty: Navigating Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy
Tailbone Pain in Pregnancy: Causes, Relief, and Osteopathic Treatment
Pregnancy brings about many physical changes, some of which can lead to discomfort. Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is one such issue that many mums-to-be experience. While it can be frustrating, understanding the causes and solutions for tailbone pain can help you manage it effectively. This blog will explain what tailbone pain is, its causes, symptoms, self-relief techniques, and how osteopathic treatment can provide relief.
What Is Tailbone Pain?
Tailbone pain refers to discomfort or aching around the coccyx, the small, triangular bone at the bottom of your spine. This pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements. In pregnancy, tailbone pain is typically caused by the body adapting to support your growing baby.
Causes of Tailbone Pain in Pregnancy
Several factors can contribute to tailbone pain during pregnancy:
Hormonal Changes: Increased levels of the hormone relaxin loosen the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This can make the tailbone more vulnerable to strain.
Postural Changes: As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, placing extra stress on the lower back and tailbone.
Weight Gain: The additional weight of pregnancy can increase pressure on the coccyx.
Baby’s Position: In later pregnancy, the baby’s head or movements can press against the tailbone.
Previous Injury: A history of tailbone trauma or lower back issues may make tailbone pain more likely during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Tailbone Pain in Pregnancy
Tailbone pain may present as:
A dull ache or sharp pain at the base of the spine.
Discomfort that worsens with sitting, especially on hard surfaces.
Pain during certain movements, such as bending, walking, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
Localized tenderness or sensitivity around the tailbone area.
Ways to Self-Relieve Tailbone Pain
While tailbone pain can be uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to manage it at home:
Use a Cushion: Sit on a donut-shaped or wedge cushion to reduce pressure on the tailbone.
Practice Good Posture: Sit up straight with your shoulders back and avoid slouching. Use a supportive chair.
Stretch Regularly: Gentle stretches, such as pelvic tilts and cat-cow stretches, can alleviate tension in the lower back and pelvis.
Apply Heat or Ice: A warm compress or ice pack can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Stay Active: Regular, low-impact exercises like walking or swimming can improve circulation and support overall comfort.
Sleep with Support: Use a pregnancy pillow to support your body and alleviate pressure on your tailbone while sleeping.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Take breaks to stand, stretch, or move around if sitting for extended periods.
How Osteopathic Treatment Can Help Tailbone Pain in Pregnancy
Osteopathic treatment is a safe, non-invasive, and effective approach to managing tailbone pain during pregnancy. Osteopathy focuses on improving the body’s structure and function, aiming to alleviate pain and restore balance. Here’s how osteopathy can help with tailbone pain:
Relieve Pressure on the Tailbone: Gentle hands-on techniques are used to release tension in the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis and lower back, reducing strain on the tailbone.
Improve Pelvic Alignment: Pregnancy can cause misalignments in the pelvis due to hormonal changes and postural shifts. Osteopaths assess and address these imbalances, promoting proper alignment and reducing discomfort.
Enhance Mobility: Osteopathic techniques can improve the movement and flexibility of the pelvic joints, helping to ease stiffness and pain.
Support Nerve Function: By addressing tension in surrounding tissues, osteopathy can alleviate pressure on nerves that may contribute to tailbone pain.
Holistic Care: Osteopaths consider your entire body, ensuring that related areas such as the lower back, hips, and spine are functioning optimally to support your growing bump.
Tailored Pregnancy Care: Every pregnancy is unique, and osteopaths create individualized treatment plans to address your specific needs, ensuring that you feel supported throughout this special time.
Osteopathic treatment is a safe, effective form of hands-on, physical therapy that can help pregnant women suffering with tailbone pain at any stage of pregnancy. Most women experience tailbone pain in the third trimester but unfortunately (especially if this is not a first pregnancy) this pain can start much earlier. Osteopathic treatment checks the alignment of the pelvis, increases the mobility of the sacrum, coccyx, pubic and sacroiliac joints and their function with the lumbar spine and hips. Treatment also addresses any tight muscles and ligaments placing strain on those joints. Sarah specialises in pelvic pain in pregnancy and also addresses the entire body, helping the body adapt to pregnancy and making women as comfortable as possible in pregnancy.
Women who receive osteopathic treatment for tailbone pain often report significant improvements in comfort, mobility, and overall well-being. Regular sessions can help you navigate the physical demands of pregnancy with greater ease.
When to Seek Professional Help
If tailbone pain persists, worsens, or affects your daily activities, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. Severe or chronic pain may require additional support from an osteopath or other specialists.
Feel Supported During Pregnancy
At Sarah Boughtwood Osteopath, we specialize in helping mums-to-be manage pregnancy-related discomforts like tailbone pain. With over a decade of experience, Sarah offers gentle and personalized care to ensure you feel your best throughout your pregnancy journey.
